ANDERSON NEW DELTA MAYOR

DELTA -- Gary Anderson has been busy in his new role as mayor.

"We have some water problems we're working on, and we're in the process of hiring a new policeman," said Anderson, who became mayor of Delta July 1.

Anderson was appointed by the Board of Aldermen when Mayor Paul Evans rendered his resignation effective July 1. Evans, who served for more than four terms, was not a candidate for mayor in the April 1998 election but was elected by write-in votes. He wanted to quit for personal reasons, said City Clerk Timothy Johnston.

Anderson, who was appointed mayor pro-tem, will serve the remainder of the two-year term as mayor.

One of the mayor's primary concerns will be discussed tonight when the Board of Aldermen meets to discuss filling the police chief's position. The police chief resigned recently.

"We'll talk with a candidate for the position," said Anderson. "We may make a decision tonight. We have two good candidates. Both of them have experience and have attended the police academy."

The water system at Delta poses another problem for the mayor.

The problem dates back a few years. The city has failed to snare a Department of Natural Resources block grant a number of times. And on one occasion voters said no to revenue and obligation bonds to update the water system.

The water is safe to drink, said Anderson, but sometimes it is discolored."

Stan Schultz Engineers of Poplar Bluff has conducted a location survey and established a site for a new 100-foot well, said Anderson. Ron Ursack Enterprises of Dexter is working on a grant request for Delta, and the community is working on an estimate of residents' average income for the grant application, he said.

"We're working on it," said Anderson. "We're making an attempt to correct the situation, but it will take time."